Studies prior to intervention in historical buildings: two practical examples- “Las Covachuelas” (Alcazar de Toledo) and The Town Hall of the Cortijo de San Isidro (Aranjuez)

Abstract

We will discuss questions of the intervention of historical buildings. We will try, therefore, to define a methodological and documental approach to be used in the phases prior to the study, diagnosis and understanding of the behavior of the building. We have worked on these prior phases, presenting a detailed study of two models in which we will find all of the problems. We shall try to extrapolate, with actual examples of significant importance, some concrete solutions for a general methodology applicable to similar constructions. The following examples are developed: The Alcazar de Toledo: specifically, the area known as the “Covalchuelas”, and the vaults which are still found in this construction. The Cortijo de San Isidro in Aranjuez, specifically the Town Hall, is the object of an integral interior remodeling. It is composed of various dependencies and farmland created in the times of Carlos III as model of agricultural exploitation.